SeaWorld Orlando has released a statement after the Justice Department opened an investigation into United Parks & Resorts (UPR) for disability discrimination at three of its Florida-located theme parks.
You can read the brief statement a SeaWorld Orlando spokesperson sent to Orlando Theme Park Zone below:
“We are committed to provide a safe, accessible, and inclusive experience for all guests. After comprehensive review, we updated our policy regarding rollators with seats due to misuse and safety-related incidents in the parks.
Because guest safety is our top priority, the updated policy also addresses situations in which these devices were being used as wheelchairs, which is not permitted by manufacturers.
Guests who arrive with a non-permitted device are offered approved alternatives at no cost to them, including rollators without seats and wheelchairs, to ensure they can fully enjoy our parks.”
SeaWorld Orlando spokesperson
The investigation was opened after the Justice Department received complaints from members of the public who have disabilities who allege that three of UPR’s theme parks (SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay) violate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by banning guest use of certain walkers (rollator walkers to be precise).
RELATED: Rollator Walkers “Not Permitted” at SeaWorld Orlando Anymore [Update]
Complainants allege that they cannot access the parks without their rollators and the only alternative the parks offer would require them to use mobility aids that are inappropriate for their individual disabilities and to incur additional charges, among other allegations.
You can find out more about the investigation here. Stay tuned for further updates as this is a developing story.
Stay tuned to Orlando Theme Park Zone for more Orlando theme park-related news and information.
H/T SeaWorld Orlando
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